Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A boat carries tourists on a canal linking artificial Senftenberger See and Geierswalder See lakes on August 26, 2013 near Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A boat carries tourists on a canal linking artificial Senftenberger See and Geierswalder See lakes on August 26, 2013 near Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A sign warns visitors not to advance further on the rim of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A sign warns visitors not to advance further on the rim of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A truck drives past a conveyor belt ferrying topsoil from one end of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine to the other on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A truck drives past a conveyor belt ferrying topsoil from one end of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine to the other on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A small pier juts into artificial Geierswalder See lake on August 26, 2013 near Geierswalde, Germany. Geierswalder See is a former open-pit lignite coal mine purposefully flooded in the early 2000s with the intent of creating a lake. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A small pier juts into artificial Geierswalder See lake on August 26, 2013 near Geierswalde, Germany. Geierswalder See is a former open-pit lignite coal mine purposefully flooded in the early 2000s with the intent of creating a lake. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A wooden, motorized raft carrying tourists arrives at the marina of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A wooden, motorized raft carrying tourists arrives at the marina of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Tourists from Britain walk their bikes along the boardwalk at the marina of artifiticial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Tourists from Britain walk their bikes along the boardwalk at the marina of artifiticial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Windsurfers take advantage of a windy day on artifiticial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 near Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Windsurfers take advantage of a windy day on artifiticial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 near Senftenberg, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shut down in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, windsurfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue from the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Lawn chairs and a beach await visitors on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Lawn chairs and a beach await visitors on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Carsten Koall

Tourists watch as a bucket wheel excavator mines lignite coal at dusk in the Welzow open-pit lignite coal mine on August 10, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. The mine, operated by Vattenfall, is one of several in the immediate area that feed a nearby power plant with coal. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines have been turned into lakes in a rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination.

Tourists watch as a bucket wheel excavator mines lignite coal at dusk in the Welzow open-pit lignite coal mine on August 10, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. The mine, operated by Vattenfall, is one of several in the immediate area that feed a nearby power plant with coal. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines have been turned into lakes in a rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Visitors sit on a beach next to a passenger ship on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Visitors sit on a beach next to a passenger ship on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

A giant excavator (L) and a conveyor belt system ferrying topsoil stand at the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

A giant excavator (L) and a conveyor belt system ferrying topsoil stand at the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Motorboats lie moored among rocks tinted ochre by mineral residue at artificial Geierswalder See lake on August 26, 2013 near Geierswalde, Germany. Geierwalde See is a former open-pit lignite coal mine purposefully flooded in the early 2000s with the intent of creating a lake. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Motorboats lie moored among rocks tinted ochre by mineral residue at artificial Geierswalder See lake on August 26, 2013 near Geierswalde, Germany. Geierwalde See is a former open-pit lignite coal mine purposefully flooded in the early 2000s with the intent of creating a lake. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Visitors sit on a beach next to a passenger ship on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Visitors sit on a beach next to a passenger ship on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Nicolas, 4, walks along a beach on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Niemtsch, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Nicolas, 4, walks along a beach on the shore of artificial Senftenberger See lake on August 26, 2013 in Niemtsch, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Open Pit Coal Mines To Become Lake District Tourist Paradise

Sean Gallup

Earth covers a spent portion of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine as steam rises from a cooling tower of the Schwarze Pumpe coal-fired power station behind on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Earth covers a spent portion of the Welzow Sued open-pit lignite coal mine as steam rises from a cooling tower of the Schwarze Pumpe coal-fired power station behind on August 26, 2013 near Welzow, Germany. Welzow Sued, operated by Vattenfall, is among the last active open-pit mines in a region known as the Lausitzer Seenland, where dozens of former mines have been turned into lakes. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term.

Keywords

A boat carries tourists on a canal linking artificial Senftenberger... News PhotoArtificial,Attached,Business,Canal,Carrying,Environmental Damage,Environmental Issues,Finance,Fuel and Power Generation,Germany,Horizontal,Lake,Leisure Activity,Lifestyles,Nautical Vessel,Pollution,Tourism,TouristPhotographer Sean GallupCollection: Getty Images News 2013 Getty ImagesGROSSKOSCHEN, GERMANY - AUGUST 26: A boat carries tourists on a canal linking artificial Senftenberger See and Geierswalder See lakes on August 26, 2013 near Grosskoschen, Germany. Senftenberger See was once an open-pit lignite coal mine flooded after it shuttered in the late 1960s, and today it is popular among tourists, wind surfers and fishermen. In a development project initiated by state government, other nearby former open-pit mines that once evoked a lunar landscape are being turned into lakes in a long-term rejuvenation effort that is also intended to make the area a viable tourist destination. Mineral residue in the mines, however, is proving a difficult stumbling block that is making many of the new lakes too acidic to sustain marine life in the short term. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)